The six-Embraer strong airline that will see 14 more planes joining the fleet by 2010-end could also launch international flights from south if UPA-II relaxes the norms for young airlines to do so. "We currently operate to 15 cities and Delhi was the 16th. In the next three to four months we will link Delhi to other places we currently operate to like Kolkata, Kochi, Goa and Pune. We are looking at almost every important north Indian city to be on our map," Thiagarajan said.
On the proposed mobile phone in flight, he said: "Our aircraft are enabled with Satcom technology. Subject to regulatory approvals by coming September we will be able to provide mobile connectivity in all our aircraft. This will allow passengers to make calls during take off, landing and on cruise."
Paramount, an all business class airline that offers economy fares, first established its stronghold in the south before venturing to other regions. The original plan was to launch flights to Mumbai before coming to Delhi. But the airport constraints, lack of slots and massive congestion at peak hours made the airline decide to come to Delhi first. It will operate Embraer-175 on Delhi-Chennai route with a two class configuration of 11 seats in first class and 64 seats in business class.
"We launched a once daily Kolkata-Chennai flight and doubled the frequency in 15 days. The frequency of Delhi flights may also be increased in coming weeks," said Thiagarajan, whose business motto is to grow in recession.